India restricts reporters in Jammu-Kashmir

New York, September 13, 2010--The Committee to Protect Journalists calls on the provincial government of Jammu and Kashmir to allow journalists to cover the widespread civil unrest in the troubled region.

The Associated
Press reported thatsecurity forces did not
allow journalists to move in the region's capital, Srinagar, during the area's
curfew, even though they had passes issued by the government. Sheikh Imran, a
local reporter in Srinagar, said troops beat him for being out despite having a
pass, AP reported. At least 14 people were killed during the
anti-India demonstrations today, The New
York Times reported.

"We urge the government to allow reporters to do their jobs covering this
story of vital national significance," said Bob Dietz, CPJ's Asia program
coordinator.

Iran's Press TV
was pulled off air today after it repeatedly ran broadcasts of anti-Muslim activists in the United Statestaking part in scattered demonstrations in which the Quran
was either burned or torn, according to international news reports. The
reports said the government partially blamed the broadcasts for inflaming
the violence. Indian media reported that Press TV is still available
through satellite transmission and via the Internet.

"We're skeptical
of government reports that link the Press TV broadcasts to the ongoing
demonstrations, which have been going on for months," Dietz said.